An Oxford University Classics professor arrested for allegedly stealing ancient bible fragments is facing a £5million lawsuit.
Dr Dirk Obbink, 63, was arrested by police in May on suspicion of theft and fraud after 13 priceless biblical papyrus fragments were sold to the Museum of the Bible in Washington DC.
It was then reported that he was awarded £434,000 by his college a year after concerns were first raised about his integrity.
The American-born professor, who denies the allegations, was handed a six-figure loan 12 months after a UK charity that archives and translates Greek manuscripts discovered in Egypt expressed concern about his behaviour, reported The Times.
Dr Dirk Obbink, 63, was arrested by police in May on suspicion of theft and fraud after 13 priceless biblical papyrus fragments were sold to the Museum of the Bible in Washington DC.